Electro-Harmonix: What Did This Company Do For Music?

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  May 3, 2022

Always the latest guitar gear & tricks?

Subscribe to THE newsletter for aspiring guitarists

We'll only use your email address for our newsletter and respect your privacy

hi there I love creating free content full of tips for my readers, you. I don't accept paid sponsorships, my opinion is my own, but if you find my recommendations helpful and you end up buying something you like through one of my links, I could earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Electo-Harmonix is an iconic brand in the world of guitar effects, known for its wild designs and bold colors. They’re also responsible for some of the most iconic effects of all time.

Electro-Harmonix is a company that has been around since 1968, and they’re known for making some of the most iconic guitar effects of all time. They’re responsible for the “Foxey Lady” fuzz pedal, the “Big Muff” distortion pedal, and the “Small Stone” phaser, just to name a few.

So, let’s look at everything this company has done for the world of music.

electro-harmonix-logo

Dreaming of Electro-Harmonix

Electro-Harmonix is a New York-based company that makes high-end electronic audio processors and sells rebranded vacuum tubes. The company was founded by Mike Matthews in 1968. It is best known for a series of popular guitar effects pedals introduced in the 1970s and 1990s. During the mid-70s, Electro Harmonix had established itself as a pioneer and leading manufacturer of guitar effects pedals. These electronic devices were cutting edge technology and innovations. Electro-Harmonix was the first company to introduce, manufacture, and market affordable state-of-the art “stomp-boxes” for guitarist and bassists, such as the first stomp-box flanger (Electric Mistress); The first analog echo/delay with no moving parts (Memory Man); The first guitar synthesizer in pedal form (Micro Synthesizer); The first tube-amp distortion simulator (Hot Tubes). In 1980, Electro-Harmonix also designed and marketed one of the first digital delay/looper pedals (16-Second Digital Delay).

Electro-Harmonix was founded in 1981 by Mike Matthews, a musician and innovator who wanted to bring his vision of sound to the world. His dream was to create a company that could produce unique and innovative musical instruments that could be used by musicians of all levels and styles. He wanted to create something that was both affordable and accessible to everyone.

The Products

Electro-Harmonix has become known for its wide range of products, from pedals and effects to synthesizers and amplifiers. They have created products that have become staples in the music industry, such as the Big Muff distortion pedal, the Memory Man delay pedal, and the POG2 polyphonic octave generator. They have also created unique and innovative products such as the Synth9 Synthesizer Machine, the Superego Synth Engine, and the Soul Food Overdrive Pedal.

The Impact

The products created by Electro-Harmonix have had a huge impact on the music industry. They have been used by some of the most influential musicians of all time, from Jimi Hendrix to David Bowie. Their products have been featured on countless albums, from classic rock to modern pop. They have also been used in countless films and television shows, from The Simpsons to Stranger Things. The products created by Electro-Harmonix have become an integral part of the music industry, and their influence can be felt in almost every genre of music.

Differences

When it comes to Electro-Harmonix vs Tung Sol, it’s a battle of the titans! On one side, you have Electro-Harmonix, the company that’s been making guitar effects pedals since the late ’60s. On the other side, you have Tung Sol, the company that’s been making tubes since the early ’20s. So, what’s the difference?

Well, if you’re looking for a pedal with a classic, vintage sound, then Electro-Harmonix is the way to go. Their pedals are known for their warm, organic tones and their ability to bring out the best in your guitar. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a tube with a modern, high-gain sound, then Tung Sol is the way to go. Their tubes are known for their clarity and punch, and they can really bring out the power in your amp.

So, if you’re looking for a classic, vintage sound, go with Electro-Harmonix. If you’re looking for a modern, high-gain sound, go with Tung Sol. It’s really that simple!

FAQ

Electro-Harmonix is a legendary brand that has been around since the 1960s. Founded by engineer Mike Matthews, the company has produced some of the most iconic effects pedals for guitarists. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Electro-Harmonix has something for everyone. Their pedals are known for their high quality and affordability, making them a great choice for guitarists of all levels. Plus, their pedals are backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can be sure you’re getting a reliable product. So if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable pedal, Electro-Harmonix is definitely worth checking out.

Important Relations

Ah, the good ol’ days of the ’70s, when Electro-Harmonix changed the game with their effects pedals. Before them, musicians had to rely on bulky, expensive equipment to get their desired sound. But Electro-Harmonix changed all that with their affordable, easy-to-use pedals.

These pedals allowed musicians to add a whole new level of creativity to their music. With a few simple tweaks, they could create unique and interesting sounds that had never been heard before. From the classic Big Muff distortion to the iconic Memory Man delay, Electro-Harmonix gave musicians the tools to explore their sonic boundaries.

But it wasn’t just the sound that made Electro-Harmonix’s pedals so special. They also made them incredibly affordable, allowing musicians to experiment without breaking the bank. This made them particularly popular with indie musicians and bedroom producers, who could now create professional-sounding music without having to invest in expensive equipment.

So, what did Electro-Harmonix do for music? Well, they revolutionized the way musicians create, allowing them to explore their sound and push the boundaries of what was possible. They also made it possible for anyone to create professional-sounding music without having to invest in expensive equipment. In short, they changed the game and made music more accessible and creative than ever before.

Conclusion

Electro-Harmonix has been a part of the music industry for over 50 years now and has been responsible for some of the most iconic effects pedals of all time. From the Deluxe Memory Man to the Stereo Pulsar, Electro-Harmonix has left its mark on the industry and will continue to do so. So don’t be afraid to pick up an Electro-Harmonix pedal and ROCK OUT!

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.

Check me out on Youtube where I try out all of this gear:

Microphone gain vs volume Subscribe